'It appeared unfavorable' - Springboks coach reacts to Eben Etzebeth dismissal

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South Africa manager the national team coach acknowledged "the optics weren't great" after legendary lock Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for an eye gouge against Wales

South Africa's national team completed an autumn clean sweep with a dominant performance at the Welsh capital netting 11 tries in a 73-0 win

Yet nearly the last action of the international year featured the veteran player, who scored the concluding points receiving a red card by referee the presiding official

The veteran forward was shown a sending-off for making contact the facial region of Wales flanker Alex Mann with his thumb during late-game altercation

"I don't know what I can say without causing debate. The appearance was poor therefore it became a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"The way it unfolded and the reasons behind it, and if he was provoked, I am not sure, however it's certainly not the way that we would have liked to finish the contest. I believe the visual impression was positive"

The second-row forward, who expanded his Springboks record by earning his 141st appearance in Cardiff, appears likely to receive a lengthy ban

His Sharks team start their Champions Cup campaign in France early December followed by a home fixture against Saracens and South African derbies over the festive period

The top-ranked team overwhelmed their opponents during the match that became unbalanced from the off

The new coach's tenure has started with three heavy autumn defeats versus leading rugby powers plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

Wales have lost multiple defeats in recent games but the coach attempted to provide encouragement

"I believe our team has been developing and advancing, this was a disciplined display," he stated

"The Welsh team are not a team that just roll over accept defeat, they battle continuously. This demonstrated one of the really clinical performances and us putting our soul out on the game"

"The team includes a great coach and shall return. We understand fortunes can reverse as demonstrated in 1998 we beat them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell soon after"

The Springboks end the calendar ranked first globally having secured successive tournament wins

The world champions have displayed their impressive resources and prowess however the manager recalled their previous lower ranking

"We were in that situation and supporters expressing anger, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The encouragement continues and the players have the fight. Achieve early successes, build momentum and results will transform

"I'm aware that things changed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

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